A recent study from the Pew Forum on Religion and Life reveals that for the first time in our history, more people in the United States claim no religious affiliation than those who do. There are now more than 13 million self-described atheists and agnostics (nearly 6 percent of the U.S. public), as well as nearly 33 million people who say they have no particular religious affiliation. Why is that?

One of the things I'm most thankful for is growing up in a family that gave thanks. Three times a day, at every meal, my father said this blessing: Heavenly Father, pardon our sins, and give us hearts to be thankful for this and all our blessings. Amen.

The election victory by President Barack Obama over Republican challenger Mitt Romney ends hopes for now of putting the country back on a more moderate course after four years spent veering hard left. And it leaves Republicans and conservatives here and elsewhere facing tough choices.

The elections finally are over. The emails and calls have stopped. The dreadful television ads have disappeared. We no longer have to listen to politicians make promises that they likely never will keep. During all of the election madness, were you satisfied with the whole process? I wasn't, and I think that the election procedure needs to be completely overhauled.

Editor, November is Parent Engagement Month in Georgia, and schools across the state are highlighting the role parents play in a student's education. In addition, Nov. 15 is National Parent Involvement Day, a time for all parents to consider how they can get more involved in the education of their children, regardless of grade level.

November 19, 2012|
Dr. John Barge
Georgia state school superintendent
|Opinion

Editor, Over the past 30 years there has been a revolution in science and medicine, resulting in increased survival rates for many diseases but, unfortunately, pancreatic cancer has not benefited from these advances because, historically, there haven't been enough people who know about it. As a result, pancreatic cancer is the only cancer with a five-year survival rate in the single digits, at just 6 percent. Even more alarming is that the disease is expected to move from the fourth- to the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States by 2020 - possibly as early as 2015. We ...

I have just received Junior E. Lee's analysis of the recent elections. Junior, as you know, is general manager of the Yarbrough Worldwide Media and Pest Control Company, located in Greater Garfield, and a certified pest-control professional. When not trying to get rid of termites in Arveen Ridley's barn, Junior manages one of the most highly respected polling organizations in the country, Round or Square Polls, Inc. His motto is, "We will cook the results as long as you've got the dough."

Editor, It is with regret that the board of directors of Manna House announces that it may be unable to provide Thanksgiving turkey baskets to needy Liberty County families. Manna House depends upon community, United Way and federal funds to support our mission. While the community has remained generous in their donations, the hoped-for federal funds for this year have not materialized. Without this money, our ability to purchase turkeys has been curtailed.

Editor, I am to inform the community that Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is changing its name to Thee Living Word of Georgia. Our church was established in 1892 and has been known as the little church on the corner. During our 120 years of service, we have been deemed a strong pillar of the community.

I brag too much about my baby. I also email and post too many photos of her on social-media sites. I can't help it. That might not seem out of character for a new parent, but it is for me. I spent all of my adolescent years and a good chunk of my adult life claiming I didn't want children. So, it seems to outsiders that I've done a complete 180, although that really isn't the case.

Motherhood seems to make it nearly impossible to keep and make friends. It's not that old friends aren't still amazing. But if they don't have children, it can be hard to find any common ground. Chances are non-parents and single women don't find discussions about teething and diapers very interesting.

Editor, It's that time of year when families gather together to give thanks. This was my late father's favorite time of year. It was a yearly tradition that my father would submit to the local paper a list of things for which he was thankful. As his daughter and in his honor and memory, I would like to carry on that tradition. I hope it touches the lives of those who didn't know him and brings a smile to the faces of those who did.